Orange Opens Spring Practice
3/22/2010 7:17:59 PM | Football
The Orange gridders returned to the field this afternoon for the first of 15 spring practice sessions. All units hit the ground running as head coach Doug Marrone and the coaching staff began installing new schemes and terminology in preparation for the 2010 season.
“Defensively, we still have the same terminology, and they did a nice job,” Marrone said. “Some of the younger kids stepped up today, Rishard Anderson made a couple plays, which I was excited about. Shamarko Thomas is continuing what he did for us last year and the linebackers are moving well defensively. Defense is a little bit ahead of the offense right now, which is expected.
“Offensively we have given them a lot. The terminology has changed for what we're doing and these next four days, these next four installations, we're going to put a lot on them. We expect them to learn it and go out there and execute. The running backs did a nice job today, we did make a lot of plays and that just has to carry over into the team phase of what we're doing. The players have done a nice job in the offseason, conditioning-wise we're in good shape and we just need to continue keep going and be able to get better mentally each day with the amount of offense, defense and special teams that we have in.”
Marrone emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation during spring practice in order for the team to continue its success from a year ago.
“What we try to focus in on the players with is that you never really pick up where you left off,” Marrone explained. “We're trying to go back to the foundation. Offensively we went back to the core of it. Defensively Coach Shafer has done the same thing and on special teams we're going back to teaching fundamentals. There will be a point somewhere where all of a sudden it will accelerate.”
The running backs group, led by rising senior Delone Carter and under the direction of new coach Tyrone Wheatley, impressed during its first day back on the field.
“The backs had a nice day today,” Marrone said. “Delone Carter hit some holes and really did a nice job. Averin Collier looked good and Antwon Bailey looked good. I am excited where the backs are at this point. I was pleased with the way they ran.”
Marrone was also pleased with the competitiveness at the quarterback position, which will be led by new quarterbacks and passing game coach Nathaniel Hackett.
“They are very competitive, Ryan (Nassib) came out and had a nice day today. Charley (Loeb) also did a good job in his first time leading the team. It will be interesting as we go through the spring, but Ryan did some nice things today.”
